Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare FP Markets and FXTM, two globally recognized brands with strong reputations. FP Markets, scoring 4.7/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads (from 0.0 pips), fast execution, and extensive range of tradable instruments including CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 score, offers a user-friendly platform, educational resources, and flexible account types suitable for beginners and experienced traders alike. For Kiwi traders, both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. However, differences in trading costs, regulation, and platform features can significantly impact your trading experience. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and goals in New Zealand’s dynamic forex market.
| Instrument | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 | FP Markets |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a crucial factor, especially for those trading high volumes. FP Markets offers a Raw ECN account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3 per lot per side, making it highly cost-effective for scalpers and day traders. FXTM’s Standard account has spreads from 1.3 pips with no commission, while its Zero account offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a commission of $2 per lot per side. Over 100 lots per month, FP Markets can save a Kiwi trader hundreds of dollars in spreads alone. Both brokers have no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods, but FP Markets’ tighter spreads give it an edge for active traders in New Zealand.
| Account Type | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:3000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and IRESS, catering to both retail and professional traders in New Zealand. The platforms are known for advanced charting tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and fast order execution. FXTM also offers MT4 and MT5, plus its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading. For New Zealand traders, FP Markets’ IRESS platform is a standout for advanced chart analysis, while FXTM’s educational resources and copy trading feature are ideal for beginners. Both brokers support trading on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, ensuring flexibility for Kiwi traders on the go.
| Factor | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FP Markets is renowned for its fast order execution, with an average speed of under 40 milliseconds on its Raw ECN accounts, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in New Zealand. FXTM also offers competitive execution speeds, typically under 100 milliseconds, but may experience slippage during volatile markets. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution for most account types, ensuring transparency. For Kiwi traders requiring precision and speed, FP Markets has a clear edge.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). FXTM is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, CySEC, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. For New Zealand traders, neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator (Financial Markets Authority), but they operate under international standards that ensure client fund segregation and negative balance protection. This provides a reasonable level of security for Kiwi retail traders, though it’s important to note the lack of local oversight.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both FP Markets and FXTM using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, among other methods. FP Markets also accepts credit/debit cards, POLi, and PayPal, while FXTM supports UnionPay and local bank transfers. Deposits via digital wallets and crypto (USDT TRC20) are usually instant and free, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days and incur small fees from intermediary banks. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, and 1-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge internal withdrawal fees, making them cost-effective for Kiwi traders. It’s recommended to use the same method for deposits and withdrawals to avoid delays.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both FP Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest (swap) on positions held beyond the trading day. FXTM is particularly well-known for its dedicated Islamic account options, which are available on Standard and Zero accounts. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no additional fees. Both brokers require traders to confirm their Muslim faith or provide a reason for needing the account. This makes both brokers suitable for Kiwi traders seeking ethical trading solutions.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team that responds quickly to New Zealand traders. FXTM also provides 24/5 support (Monday to Friday) through live chat and email, with phone support during market hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and educational materials. FP Markets’ round-the-clock support is advantageous for Kiwi traders who trade during non-standard hours, while FXTM’s support is sufficient for most retail traders.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Resource | FP Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For New Zealand traders, FP Markets is the stronger choice overall due to its lower spreads (from 0.0 pips), faster execution, and higher trust score (4.7/5). It excels for active traders who want to minimize costs and leverage advanced platforms. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 rating, is better suited for beginners and those needing Islamic accounts or copy trading. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are not directly regulated by New Zealand’s local financial regulator, but operate under reputable international bodies. Ultimately, your decision should align with your trading style, volume, and need for educational support. For cost-conscious Kiwi traders, FP Markets is the recommended option.